Comparing Anastrozole vs Clomid: Which is the Best Anti-Estrogen?

Are you curious about the differences between Anastrozole and Clomid? 

These medications have distinct purposes and applications. 

Anastrozole is primarily used for breast cancer treatment and works by reducing Estrogen levels. 

On the other hand, Clomid is a fertility medication that stimulates ovulation in women.

Understanding the contrasts between Anastrozole and Clomid is crucial when considering their usage. 

Continue reading to know more about the key differences between the two and which is more suitable for treating your condition. 

Quick reviews

There are several clinical studies on Anastrozole vs Clomid. 

One study indicated that hypoandrogenic subfertile males could benefit from a treatment plan that combines the fertility drugs Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and Anastrozole.

Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) compared Letrozole and Clomiphene for infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Letrozole was better than Clomiphene as a drug for anovulatory infertility in women with PCOS.

Porównawcze zalety obu leków sprawiają, że konieczne jest ich dogłębne zbadanie.

Przeczytaj, aby dowiedzieć się więcej o lekach i obiektywnie je porównać.

What is Anastrozole

Anastrozole is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. 

It is mainly used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. 

Anastrozole works by stopping the enzyme aromatase from turning Androgens into Estrogens. 

Anastrozole helps slow or stop the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancers by lowering estrogen in the body. 

It is usually given as a daily oral medication.

Anastrozole is mainly used to treat breast cancer, but you can also use it off-label for conditions like infertility and Gynecomastia.

Follow the prescribed dosage and consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance and monitoring.

What is Clomid

Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) is a drug used frequently across the field of reproductive medicine. 

It is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) and is mainly given to women with pregnancy-related problems to make them ovulate. 

Clomid works by restricting Estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. 

This makes more Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) come out of the pituitary gland. 

This chemical change makes the ovaries release mature eggs, which makes it more likely for conception.

During the menstrual period, most women take Clomid orally for a few days. 

It is important to remember that Clomid should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Skutki uboczne

Both Anastrozole and Clomid have potential side effects. 

Arimidex (Anastrozole) may cause vomiting, hot flashes, joint pain, weakness, sore throat, depression, mood changes, nausea, and headache.

Clomid (Clomiphene citrate) may cause headaches, abdominal discomfort, hot flashes, breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting.

However, as per Fertility and Sterility, Anastrozole is not recommended as a replacement for Clomiphene citrate.

Combination therapy might be a safe and effective alternative for hypoandrogenic subfertile men.

Środki ostrożności

There are specific things you need to know before using,

Anastrozole

Always stick to your prescription and avoid change of dosage.

Anastrozole might react with other medications. So inform your doctor if you have other supplements, medications, or herbal products.

Pay regular visits to your doctor for check-ups and monitoring of your progress.

If you develop allergic symptoms after taking Anastrozole, immediately see your doctor.

Consult with your doctor if you are about to conceive, as the drug might harm the fetus or pass into the breast milk.

Keep the medication away from the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Clomid

Avoid skipping any dosage and try to finish the entire course of treatment.

Stopping it early might make the symptoms hard to treat.

If you experience stomach discomfort, take the medication after food.

Follow the prescription and take the medication on your menstrual cycle’s 3rd, 4th, or 5th day.

Clomid is associated with multiple pregnancies, so understand the considerations and discuss the risk factors.

Plusy i minusy

Here is a general overview of the pros and cons of Anastrozole vs. Clomid, which might come in handy.

Interakcje

Działanie leków może zmieniać interakcje między lekami lub zwiększać ryzyko wystąpienia działań niepożądanych. 

List all your medicines (prescribed, non-prescribed, and herbal products).

Podziel się tymi informacjami ze swoim farmaceutą i lekarzem. 

Unikaj zmiany, przerwania lub rozpoczęcia przyjmowania jakichkolwiek leków bez zgody lekarza.

The medications might interact with other drugs, including,

• Tamoxifen 
• Estrogen medications (birth control pills, vaginal rings, implants, etc.)

Na wynos

Zarówno azytromycyna, jak i erytromycyna mają swoje zalety i wady. 

Though both are anti-estrogens, they are prescribed for different purposes.

However, Clomid is generally considered a more convenient and affordable option with fewer side effects.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will significantly depend on individual patient factors, such as,

• Historia choroby pacjenta
• Rodzaj zakażenia i 
• Inne przyjmowane leki

Twój lekarz pomoże Ci ustalić, który lek będzie dla Ciebie najlepszy.

Często zadawane pytania

• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• thelancet.com
• rxlist.com
• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov